Edward Partridge (1793

Mormon History 1830-1844

Joseph

Bios

Edward Partridge (1793–1840)

First bishop of the Church of Christ, presided over the church in Missouri from early 1831 until the organization of a high council, July 7, 1834. The man Joseph repeatedly called "a man without guile," but who was often in trouble with the Prophet.
Born		August 27, 1793 in Pittsfield, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts	¶ Ancestry.com
Died		May 27, 1840 in Nauvoo, Hancock county, Illinois
Father		William Partridge (1753–1836)	Whitney's Edward Partridge, 3.
Mother		Jemima Bidwell (1765–1842)	Whitney's Edward Partridge, 3.
Hatter		[1809–1813] apprenticed four years as a hatter, then worked his trade as a journeyman in Clinton, New York before moving to Painesville, Ohio and, in 1819, marrying Lydia Clisbee.	Revelations, 4.
Universal Restorationist		A Universal Restorationist. The distinguishing feature of restorationist Universalism is the belief in a disciplinary punishment after death leading to ultimate reformation and holiness. Other Universalists believed there was no punishment after death.	B. H. Roberts footnote, HC 1:128–129; Alexander Campbell, Millennial Harbinger 15 Extra (Dec. 1844):529–574 // "Life and Death".
Campbellite		1828 baptized "reformed" Baptist preacher, Sidney Rigdon in Mentor, Ohio. Previously a Unitarian.
Civic affairs		[1829] Notice.—The householders of School District No. 6, in Painesville, are requested to meet at the Hat Store of E. Partridge on Monday the 2nd of November at 7 oclock pm for the purpose of devising ways and means for purchasing a site and erecting a School House thereon and doing other school business …	PT, Oct. 27, 1829.
Visits Joseph		December 1830 goes with Sidney to see Joseph in New York. Investigates family reputation in Manchester, inspects farm >.
Baptized		December 11, 1830 in Seneca River by Joseph Smith Jr.	Whitney's Edward Partridge, 4.
Elder		Ordained by Sidney Rigdon a few days after baptism.
Sidney will ordain Edward		December [7–15], 1830 revelation: sins forgiven, called to preach. "I will lay my hand upon you by the hand of my servant Sidney Rigdon, and you shall receive my Spirit, the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which shall teach you the peaceable things of the kingdom."	D&C 36
Mission to family		December 1830–January 1831 mission to relatives in Massachusetts.
	¶	When my father returned to New York [from Massachusetts], his parents sent his youngest brother to accompany him, they thinking him deranged and not capable of taking care of himself. But this brother, after he arrived in Painesville, received the gospel and was baptized. His name was James Harvey Partridge. They reached home about the beginning of February 1831.	Emily Dow Partridge, Reminiscence, Apr. 7, 1884. Typescript. BYU Special Collections.
Bishop No guile		February 4, 1831 to be "appointed by the voice of the church, and ordained a bishop unto the church, to leave his merchandise and to spend all his time in the labors of the church; … And this because his heart is pure before me, for he is like unto Nathaniel of old, in whom there is no guile."	¶ D&C 41:9–11 Date per JS revelations, 105. Edward Partridge was "a very honest and industrious hatter, of Painesville, Ohio, who had, withal, a comfortable stock of the good things of the world. He was … always obedient, … to the revelations promulgated by Smith …" Mormonism unvailed, 139.
Rebuked		May 9, 1831 rebuked for interfering with elders visiting recently established churches in and around Kirtland.	D&C 50:38–39
Consecration		May 20, 1831 revelation outlines Edward's responsibilities in consecration and stewardship.	D&C 51
High Priesthood		June 3–6, 1831 attends first church conference in Kirtland. John Corrill and Isaac Morley are named to assist Edward as the bishop. The High Priesthood bestowed for the first time and the "man of sin" is revealed. Edward is ordained to the High Priesthood and blesses all others ordained.	¶ Minutes of June [3–6], 1831 ¶ Lyman Wight's Vision and the Man of Sin
To Missouri with Joseph		June 7, 1831 assigned to travel to Missouri with Joseph, Sidney Rigdon, and Oliver Cowdery.	¶ D&C 52:24
		June 19, 1831 leaves Kirtland for Missouri with Sidney Rigdon, Martin Harris, W. W. Phelps, Joseph Coe, and A. S. Gilbert and his wife. They travel by wagon, canal, and stage to Cincinnati. Then by steamer to Louisville to St. Louis. Walk to Independence.	, 126 // Papers, 356; HC 1:188. Also dated June 18. ¶ W. W. Phelps
Angers Joseph		July 1831 in Jackson county, angers Joseph by intimating he and Oliver chose an inferior tract of land to settle near Independence.	¶ Ezra Booth Letters (7)
Rebuked		August 1, 1831 rebuked for "unbelief and blindness of heart."	D&C 58:14–15
Prevented from returning to Ohio		August 5, 1831 writes Lydia, "I have a strong desire to return to Painsville this fall, but must not. You know I stand in an important station; and as I am occasionally chastened I sometimes feel as though I must fall." Edward was directed not to return home because, according to Ezra Booth, he had offended Sydney by cautioning him about exaggerating his description of Zion.	I remember, 5. ¶ Ezra Booth Letters (7)
Rebuked		September 11, 1831 rebuked for having "sinned, and Satan seeketh to destroy his soul," but will be forgiven when he repents.	¶ D&C 64
Rebuked		January 14, 1832 Hyrum Smith and Orson Hyde (h) write Edward objecting to his indirectly accusing Joseph of "seeking after monarchial power and authority."	HC 1:317–19. The Bishop and the Lord
Family to Independence Lilburn Boggs		Spring 1832 Lydia and their 6 children arrive, move into the log house room Edward had rented from future Missouri governor Lilburn W. Boggs. The cabin is on the corner of the temple lot.	I remember, 6.
Dedicates office		May 29, 1832 dedicates the office of The Evening and the Morning Star in Independence.
Differences settled		April 26, 1832 conference in Independence, Jackson county, Joseph is sustained as president of the High Priesthood, and "All differences settled & the hearts of all run together in love." However, by July the accord had dissolved.	Minutes of April 26–27, 1832 ¶ Joseph to W. W. Phelps, July 31, 1832
Crowded room		Winter 1832–1833 takes in a widow and her 4 children, making 12 or 13 living in one room.	I remember, 6.
Criticizes Joseph		January 14, 1833 Hyrum and Orson Hyde (h) write Edward and is counselors, objecting to their "accusing Brother Joseph in rather an indirect way of seeking after monarchial power and authority."	HC 1:318.
Joseph chooses counselors		June 25, 1833 Joseph writes Edward to choose Parley P. Pratt and Titus Billings as his counselors.	HC 1:363.
Tarred		July 20, 1833 tarred and feathered with Josiah Gregg when they try to interfere with mob burning the office of The Evening and the Morning Star >.	TS 6, no. 5 (Mar. 15, 1845): 834.
Offers self as ransom Agree to leave Jackson		July 23, 1833 Edward, John Corrill, John Whitmer, W. W. Phelps, A. S. Gilbert, and Isaac Morley meet with Jackson county citizens' committee and offer themselves as a ransom for the church "willing to be scourged or die, if that would appease their anger toward the church." Instead, the citizens agree to stop the violence and the Mormons agree to leave the county by April 1, 1834.	EMS 2, no. 15 (Dec. 1833): 114. ¶ Missouri Persecutions (2)
Head of church in Zion		September 11, 1833 acknowledged as "head of the Church in Zion … [and] Moderator in councils or conferences by virtue of his office."	¶ Minutes of September 11, 1833
Violence		October 31, 1833 mob attacks Whitmer settlement about 8 miles from Independence, starting a season of violence.	Outrage in Jackson (1)
Clay county		November, 1833 temporarily moves family into log and tent shelter on the banks of the Missouri river. Then into old log cabin (previously a stable) with John Corrill and his family in Clay county.	I remember, 16.
Near Jackson County line		I lived ~~more than two~~ <near three> years <in “Clay Co> within two miles of the line of Jackson Co. and no man from Jackson <Co.> or any where else ~~offered to bring~~ <brought> any suit against me of any kind during the time	Partridge affidavit
Named for Kirtland endowment		June 23, 1834 named in first group to receive Kirtland endowment.	¶ Minutes of June 23, 1834
		Eastern states and New England, January–October 1835.	Papers, 56n1.
Leave for Kirtland		January 27, 1835 leaves Missouri for Kirtland with Thomas B. Marsh (h), arriving April 29, 1835.
Patriarchal blessing		May 4, 1835 receives patriarchal blessing.
Mission to the East		June 2, 1835 leaves on mission to eastern states and New England with Isaac Morley.	JS personal, 2nd ed., 103n70; MA 2, no. 2 (Nov. 1835), 221.
Returns		November 5, 1835 returns from mission to the East.	JS personal, 2nd ed., 102.
Sins forgiven Remain in Kirtland		[November 7, 1835] The word <of the Lord> came to me saying, behold I am well pleased with my servant Isaac Morley and my servant Edward Partridge, because of the integrity of their harts in laboring in my vinyard for the salvation of the souls of men, Verely I say unto you their sins are forgiven them, therefore say unto them in my name that it is my will that they should tarry for a little season and attend the school, and also the solem assembly for a wise purpose in me, even so amen	Diary-2 in JS personal, 2nd ed., 102–103.
Visits churches		November 10, 1835 writes he and Isaac Morley have visited 26 churches with 700 "lively members," held about 50 meetings, baptized 3.	MA 2, no. 2 (Nov. 1835): 221–222.
School of the Prophets		Attends Hebrew class taught by Mr. Seixas with Joseph, Sidney, Oliver, W. W. Phelps, Orson Hyde (h), William E. McLellin (h) and others.	Papers, 77.
Kirtland temple dedication		March 27, 1836 attends dedication of the House of the Lord in Kirtland.
Return to Zion		April 9, 1836 leaves Kirtland for Zion with Isaac Morley, John Corrill, and W. W. Phelps.	HC 2:436.
Clay county		May 4, 1836 returns to Clay County.
Move to Far West		[October 1, 1837:] I expect to move into the village this fall, our town or City is called Far west, it contains about 100 buildings—6 stores, a post office &c. &c. Br. Wm. W. Phelps is post master. The town platt has been consecrated in part, and I have the care of it for the benefit of the church.	Edward Partridge to James Partridge, October 12, 1837, qtd. in What crime, 521.
Numbered with the blessed		[January 7, 1838 revelation:] Edward and his house shall be numbered with the blessed, and Abraham their father, and his name shall be had in sacred rememberance.	Revelation of January 7, 1838
Arrested at Far West		November 1838 arrested and charged with treason.
Released, to Quincy		January 1839 released from jail, joins family in Quincy, Illinois.
Advises scattering		Spring 1839 with Far West stake president William W. Marks advocates those fleeing to Illinois pay their own way, scatter out in communities. Overruled by Joseph and the Twelve.	Wilford's life, 82; WWJ 1:329 (Apr. 27, 1839).
Bishop		October 5, 1839 appointed bishop of the Upper Ward in Commerce, Illinois.

		In Waterloo
December 1830 Sidney and Edward arrive during sermon		In early December 1830, Joseph and Emma travel to his parents' home in Waterloo. A meeting is arranged for that night in their house. While Joseph preaches, Sidney and Edward enter. After the sermon, comments are invited.	Lucy, 504 // Early documents, 1:444.
Edward convinced by family reputation and		Mr Partridge arose and stated that he had been to Manchester in search of [damaged] s to ascertain the truth of what we preached that he had visit some of our neighbors in that place and enquired the character of the family ~~some~~ they said that the smith family were very [damaged] estable people and no one could say ought against them untill Joseph deceived them about [damaged] plates
Tidy farm		He had also walked over our farm ~~and~~ seen the neatness ~~and~~ order ~~and~~ <and industry> exhibited in everything arround he had seen what we had sacraficed for the truth's sake and yet our enemies did not dispute our veracity upon any in point but that of religion—And now said he I am ready to be baptized Brother Joseph will you baptism me—
		Joseph observes that Edward is tired from his trip and suggests they wait until tomorrow.

		Tarred and feathered in Independence (Autobiography)
Taken from home to court house George Simpson leader Tarred and feathered for refusing to leave		I was taken from my house by the mob, George Simpson being their leader, who escorted me about half a mile, to the court house, on the public square in Independence; and then and there, a few rods from said court house, surrounded by hundreds of the mob, I was stripped of my hat, coat and vest, and daubed with tar from head to foot, and then had a quantity of feathers put upon me, and all this, because I would not agree to leave the county, my home where I had lived two years. <	Edward Partridge "autobiography," qtd. in TS 6 no. 4 (Mar. 1, 1845): 819.
Speech before being tarred		Before tarring and feathering me, I was permitted to speak. I told them that the saints had had to suffer persecution in all ages of the world, that I had done nothing which ought to offend any one. That if they abused me, they would abuse an innocent person. That I was willing to suffer for the sake of Christ; but, to leave the country I was not then willing to consent to it.
Attitude of crowd		By this time the multitude made so much noise that I could not be heard: some were cursing and swearing, saying, call upon your Jesus &c.; others were equally noisy in trying to still the rest, that they might be enabled to hear what I was saying.
Filled with love		Until after I had spoken, I knew not what they intended to do with me, whether to kill me, to whip me, or what else I knew not. I bore my abuse with so much resignation and meekness, that it appeared to astound the multitude, who permitted me to retire in silence, many looking very solemn, their sympathies having been touched as I thought; and, as to myself, I was so filled with the spirit and love of God, that I had no hatred towards my persecutors, or any one else.

		Tarred and Feathered (Affidavit)	Dated May 15, 1839 Original in the National Archives, qtd. in , 532, 534. Entire affidavit in Redress petitions, 512–514.
July 20, 1833 George Simpson enters 50 mobbers at house, 200-300 at square	¶	On the 20th day of July A. D. 1833 George Simpson and two other mobbers entered my house (whilst I was sitting with my wife, who was Then quite feeble my youngest child being then about three weeks old,) and compelled me to go with them. soon after leaving my house I was surrounded by about fifty mobbers who escorted me about half a mile to the public square, where I was surrounded by some two or three hundred more.
Russell Hicks: leave or else	¶	Russell Hicks Esqr. appeared to be the head man of the mob, he told me that his word was the law of the county, and that I must agree to leave the county or suffer the consequences. I answered that if I must suffer for my religion it was no more than others had done before me — That I was not conscious of having Injured any one in the county therefore I could not consent to leave it.	Russell Hicks conducted the citizens' organizing meeting that preceded this incident. ¶ Missouri Persecutions
Hicks begins to strip Edward Others protest stripping Tarred and feathered		Mr. Hicks then proceeded to strip off my clothes and was disposed to strip them all off — I strongly protested against being stripped naked in the street, when some more humane than the rest interfered and I was permitted to wear my shirt and pantaloons. Tar and feathers were then brought and a man by the name of — Davies with the help of an other daubed me with tar from the crown of my head to my feet, after which feathers were thrown over me.
Sued for $50,000 Lost $800		For this abuse I have never received any satisfaction, although I commenced a suit against some of them for $50,000 damage, and paid my lawyers six hundred dollars to carry it on, I also paid near two hundred dollars to get a change of venue. —
Lawyers double-dealing		My lawyers after getting their pay of me, made a compromise with the defendents, without my consent, and threw my case out of court without giving me any damages by their agreeing to pay the costs, which they never have paid that I know of, and I never could prevail upon my lawyers to collect them for me though they agreed so to do.

		Effect of Sermon on Joseph
… like apples of gold in pitchers of silver		November 29, 1835 (Sunday): went to meeting at the usal hour Elder Morley preachd and Bishop Partridge in the afternoon; their discourses were well adapted to the times in which we live, and the circumstances under which we are placed, their words were words of wisdom, like apples of gold in pitchers of silver, spoken in the simple accents of a child, yet sublime as the voice of an angels, the saints, appeared to be much pleased with the beautiful discourse these two fathers in Israel	Papers, 92.

		W. W. Phelps on Edward Partridge
Sweet communion Snaps of passion		…few will be able to wear his mantle with such simple dignity. He was an honest man, and I loved him. … We lived together in peace, and our communion was sweet; although we often rebuked each other in plainness and had snaps according to passion, yet, like the used key, our friendship was bright and moistened with tears.	TS 1, no. 8 (June 1840): 120.

		Family
Wife		Lydia Clisbee (1793–1878), md. August 22, 1819 in Painesville township, Geauga (Lake) county, Ohio.	FamilySearch™ Ancestral File v4.19
Children		Eliza Maria (1820–1886) Harriet Pamelia (1822–1840) Emily Dow (1824–1899) Caroline Ely (1827–1908) Clisbee (1829) Lydia (1830–1875) Edward (1833–1900)
The Bishop and the Lord Biographies